Massive 7.6-Magnitude Earthquake Hits Off Southern Philippines Coast
A powerful earthquake struck off the southern coast of the Philippines, registering a magnitude of 7.6. The quake occurred on Friday morning, specifically at 9:43 AM, leading to severe consequences in various regions.
Immediate Impact of the Earthquake
The earthquake’s epicenter was located approximately 43 kilometers (27 miles) east of Manay, in Davao Oriental province. At a depth of 23 kilometers (14 miles), the quake resulted in significant damage:
- At least two fatalities were reported, with victims trapped in collapsed structures.
- A hospital had to evacuate around 250 patients, transferring them to temporary tent shelters.
- Schools were damaged, leading to class suspensions in Davao City and other areas.
- Cracks appeared in several buildings, including an airport in Davao City, although operations continued without flight cancellations.
Government Response
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that damage assessments were underway. Rescue teams have been mobilized, with relief operations set to commence once it is deemed safe. Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV, Deputy Administrator of the Office of Civil Defense, stressed the need for vigilance against potential aftershocks and further hazards.
Tsunami Warnings and Evacuations
In the wake of the earthquake, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center detected small waves along the coastlines of the Philippines and Indonesia. Local authorities advised coastal communities to evacuate to higher ground due to threats of tsunami waves reaching six nearby provinces within two hours.
Residents reported chaotic scenes as buildings shook, prompting people to flee their homes. Jun Saavedra, a disaster-mitigation officer, shared his experience: “I saw powerlines swaying wildly. We’ve had earthquakes before, but this was the strongest.”
Regional Impact
Davao City, the closest major urban area with about 5.4 million residents, is situated approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles) from the epicenter. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology anticipates ongoing aftershocks and further assessment of the damage.
This latest earthquake follows a previous 6.9 magnitude quake on September 30, which resulted in 74 fatalities and significant displacement in Cebu Province. The Philippines faces consistent threats from natural disasters, including approximately 20 typhoons and storms annually, underscoring the challenges of disaster preparedness and response.
International Context
On the same day, another earthquake of magnitude 6.0 was reported off the coast of Papua New Guinea. This quake’s epicenter was located in the Bismarck Sea, indicating the region’s tectonic activity.
